Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when Richmond Barracks in Dublin 8 will open for tours to the public; her views on the potential tourism benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19874/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government is supporting a number of flagship capital projects for the 1916 centenary year, which, combined, will create a lasting legacy of 1916 that will, I believe, be of continuing interest to the public into the future.

One of these ‘permanent reminder’ projects involved the restoration and adaptation through a Dublin City Community Partnership of two buildings that were part of Richmond Barracks - in particular the building where the 1916 leaders were interned and court-martialled. It also includes the creation of an exhibition and interpretive space and will be a great amenity for the public and the local community as a modern heritage site. The project is managed by Dublin City Council via two structures - the Dublin City Council Steering Group and the Richmond Barracks Advisory Committee.

The project was completed on schedule and the new centre was officially launched on 2 May 2016 by the Lord Mayor of Dublin to coincide with the centenary of the first court martial of the 1916 Rising leaders.

As I informed the Deputy in my reply to his Question No 59 of 1 June 2016, Dublin City Council will be responsible for the day to day management of the building. However, I understand that the facility is now open to the public and will also be available for various events, including small-scale conferences. There are scheduled tours each day, with all information being made available at www.richmondbarracks.ie.

Richmond Barracks is a new tourism product. Focussed and targeted marketing will be key to raise awareness of the facility to ensure that it generates appropriate footfall. The Ireland 2016 Project Office within my Department will continue to work closely with colleagues in Dublin City Council and the OPW to ensure maximum publicity for this initiative.